ARTICLES

Rare earth elements are a group of 17 elements many of which are crucial for use in technology such as catalysts, magnets, special alloys, glass and high performance electronics. China has 37.9% of the world's reserves of rare earth elements. (Photo by Wang chun lyg / Imaginechina / Imaginechina via AFP)

8 Nov 2023

Vietnam’s Rare Earth Ambitions: Economic and Strategic Drivers

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam is seeking to develop its rare earth industry at a time when global demand for such minerals is increasing. Its motivations are not merely economic, but also strategic.

US President Joe Biden attends a welcoming ceremony hosted by Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (2L) at the Presidential Palace of Vietnam in Hanoi on September 10, 2023. Biden travels to Vietnam to deepen cooperation between the two nations, in the face of China's growing ambitions in the region. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)

24 Oct 2023

Nguyen Phu Trong’s ‘Bamboo Diplomacy’: Legacy in the Making?

Hoang Thi Ha

Vietnam’s General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong is actively promoting “Vietnamese bamboo diplomacy” as his foreign policy legacy. The concept is not altogether new but it has been riding upon Trong’s political ascendency and Vietnam’s geopolitical fortunes.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

18 Oct 2023

Hot “Furnace” at Home, Cool Relationships Abroad

Nguyen Khac Giang

Vietnam’s 8th Party Plenum underscores Hanoi’s two-pronged bid to maintain solid relations with external powers in the West and tightening the screws on civil society at home.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

25 Jul 2023

Vietnam and Singapore: Chicken Rice, Apom, Milk Tea and a Shared Strategic Outlook

Phan Xuan Dung

Vietnam and Singapore commemorated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in July. Looking ahead, the two partners can deepen the relationship by focusing on initiatives in the South China Sea and the Mekong.

Singapore Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

21 Jul 2023

Vietnam’s Suspension of Online Magazine: When Even the Compliant Are Not Safe

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam has suspended the licence of a popular news site which has largely been supportive of the party line. This does not augur well for other media, given their already precarious position.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

20 Apr 2023

U.S.-Vietnam Relations: Ready for a Strategic Partnership Upgrade?

Nguyen Khac Giang

While signs are afoot that Hanoi is drawing a little closer to Washington, Vietnam will likely stick to familiar ground when managing its relations with the two largest powers.

U.S.-Vietnam Relations Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

22 Mar 2023

Vietnam Media Hailed Ke Huy Quan’s Oscar Win — Until Online Propagandists Pounced

Dien Nguyen An Luong

Vietnam’s media celebrated Ke Huy Quan’s Oscar, but online nationalists panned him for taking pride in his odyssey to America and the Oscars stage. Dredging up war memories remains anathema, but the state’s reactions may undermine national reconciliation efforts, especially with the Vietnamese diaspora.

Censorship Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

28 Feb 2023

Vietnam’s Accelerated Power Transition: Glad Tidings for Investors and Foreign Partners

Le Hong Hiep

The expected elevation of Vo Van Thuong to the presidency of Vietnam is part of a power transition plan that was stymied during the 13th National Congress more than two years ago.

Economy Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

27 Feb 2023

Nguyen Phu Trong’s Dominance in Vietnamese politics: Far-reaching Implications

Nguyen Khac Giang

Nguyen Phu Trong’s dominance in Vietnamese politics bodes well for the country’s fight against corruption. But the advanced age and health of the general secretary would make the search for a successor challenging.

Vietnam Vietnamese Politics

17 Jan 2023

“Red Card” for the President? Vietnam’s Biggest Political Drama in Decades

Le Hong Hiep

Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc might be removed from his position. If online speculation is true, Phuc will become the first Vietnamese president to be ousted while still in office.

Corruption Vietnam Vietnamese Politics